Gold Futures Hold Firm as Rate-Hike Odds Dip

Gold futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives are expected to remain stable next week, driven by reduced expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate hike. According to Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, chief economist at Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd, lower odds for a rate hike could continue to support demand for gold.

The spot-month August 2026 contract rose to $4,602.00 per troy ounce from $4,586.40 a week earlier, while the September 2026 contract increased to $4,619.30 from $4,602.90. The October and November contracts climbed to $4,635.50 per troy ounce.

The market will closely monitor US non-farm payrolls (NFP) and ISM data next week for further clues on the Fed's interest rate outlook.